Spring Break 2012!!!

Last week was Spring Break and we had a super fun, busy time together!  Chloe enjoyed lots of bike rides in this wonderful spring weather.

She likes to make stops and gather things for her "collection" :) (like the Little Mermaid)

We went to the Science Center with our mom's group for the first time and it was AWESOME!  Here are huge bowls and wands for bubbles!  I think a season pass will be on her Christmas list this year:)

The agriculture section, it was so cute and fun!

Chloe and her friend Ethan going fishing:)

Chloe really liked the snakes, turtles and bat cave!

Chloe got on the green screen to give the weather report.

There she is on TV, the side of her head at the bottom middle, too cute:)

Chloe also had fun hosting play dates, going on play dates, helping me with shopping, cooking and cleaning.  She really is a wonderful helper and so sweet.

Daddy and Chloe doing some reading in the warm weather.

Daddy got Friday off from work and we all enjoyed going to the Reiman Gardens together.  Chloe loved the butterfly pavilion.

Getting an up close look.

The art display this time was all these fun and colorful knit designs every where.  Here they are on the IA State bench:)

So pretty:)

Making music on the ground piano!

Not sure who liked it more;)

Chloe loves this dog and wants her picture taken with him every time we are there:)

Looking for fish or frogs but didn't find any yet.

Posing for the camera...sort of:)

This plant/flower was so beautiful, huge and unique.

I loved the orchid ball display!

Chloe got a new scooter, or as she calls it a roller skater:)  She picked it up real quick (of course) and has had so much fun riding it!

Playing outside on yet another gorgeous day.

The Petersen's came back from their Spring Break vacation and we couldn't wait to see them!  The girls played for hours outside and were so good!

What a fun and easy afternoon with friends!

Spring has sprung!

 It feels like spring came a little early this year and we are loving it!  It gave us a chance to get a jump start on some of our favorite things, including going out for Ice Cream:)  Chloe likes rainbow ice cream!

 We've also been enjoying playing outside daily for hours on end.  Snack time must be outside as well!

 Chloe and her ducks are ready, she has the most amazing imagination, it's so fun to watch her!

 It's gotten even warmer these past few days too.  Daddy gets some help with yard work from his fave helper!

 After Chloe was all ready to go outside she shouted, "Here I come, I'm gonna jump in those leaves!!!" and she did, over and over again:)

 Another fave of the family is eating outside, grilling out and of course all the fresh veggies!

 Saying cheese:)

 We've had a really busy week and Chloe finally got to give daddy her art work she made for him in school this past week.  She made him a crown that read "Dad the King" and she drew their portraits all along the back side:)  and she even referred to him as Dad the King today, I think he liked it!  And she also gave him a finger painted tie:)

 Today we enjoyed going down town Des Moines to watch the St. Patty's Day parade.  Chloe had a blast catching beads, getting candy and watching all the festive people, dogs and floats go by.  We always loved going to the parade in Denver and this way a great way to connect to the fun right here in IA:)

 Happy St. Patty's Day from two Irish Gingers;)

The view is awesome from up here!  Thanks dad!

Gramma C

 This week we gathered to honor our Gramma C.  The wake and funral paid great tribute to the amazing woman she was and brought back so many wonderful memories of growing up with her in our lives.  We love and miss you and know we will be reunited around a large table playing Shang-high together:)

 Chloe loved playing with her cousins!

 They are such good girls:)

It was wonderful to see our aunt, uncle and cousins again.  We love you all!

So much fun!

This was a fun and busy week again.  Chloe started off the week with school and getting a free eye test at school.  Chloe reported that her eyes are healthy:) Tuesday she had fun at gymnastics class and since daddy got off early, only worked 9 hours;) he got to take her!  Then a couple more days of school for the middle of the week.

 Chloe and I made chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkles on top, yummy!

 The sprinkles were definitely Chloe's fave part, as you can probably tell:)

 Chloe is quite the artist, she loves drawing people's portraits.  Here she made one for everyone in her family:)

 Thursday for school it was pajama day and a party for Dr Seuss' birthday.  Chloe told me that she had to wear her princess night gown because her and Avery were both planning to wear their princess jammies, too cute!  She also brought her blankie and bunny and wore slippers, outfit complete and ready to party!  That evening we got our weekly visit from Uncle Rich, we sure enjoy seeing him and Chloe continues to look forward to it every week.

Friday daddy got to have the day off from work!  So we had a super fun family day.  We had a nice morning at home followed by a trip to the mall to get a little shopping done, play time in the place play, and lunch.  Then we went to see the Lorax at the theatre, it was a super cute movie and we all enjoyed watching it.  That evening we went to supper at Chloe's fave restaurant, Mexico!  So much fun to have a week day to spend with daddy.

 Saturday daddy did have to work but Aunt Brigett came to visit for the monthly date night!  I got my hair cut and straightened and Chloe always thinks it's crazy when my hair is straight like hers.  So this time she said that she wanted her hair curly like mine:)  I think she liked it!

 Checking it out in the mirror.

 Putting the finishing touches on:)

Doing a little more art work while waiting for Aunt Brigett to arrive!  We had a great rest of the weekend.  Brigett and Chloe went to play and eat at Mc D's, Chloe had so much exciting energy I thought that was a good idea.  Then they went to Rich and Andrea's for pizza and to cheer on IA State basketball.  Jason and I enjoyed dinner and a movie, our classic date night activities:)  Sunday afternoon daddy and Brigett went snowboarding and skiing at Sleepy Hollow.  They had fun and we look forward to next winter when we can all go!  Thanks so much Brig for coming to stay and giving us a night out!